Dec 2, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Greg McElroy (14) leaves the field after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
#8 Greg McElroy
Greg McElroy was recruited by Mike Shula and came to the Tide from Southlake, Texas in 2006. He started as a senior at Carroll Senior High School, going undefeated to win a 5A state championship. His 56 touchdowns that season are first all-time in Texas 5A and second in Texas high school football. McElroy was named the Texas 5A player of the year.
After redshirting his freshman year under coach Mike Shula, McElroy backed up John Parker Wilson in 2007 and 2008. He took the starting job with little drama in spring practice in 2009.
His first start against Virginia Tech was shaky in the first half, but he settled in late in the game and by the end of September the former concern on the offense was one of the most efficient passers in the country. Mark Ingram helped the Tide survive an October slump in production from McElroy, but the quarterback came back triumphantly to win a dramatic Iron Bowl. He then outperformed Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow in the 2009 SEC Championship Game to secure MVP honors.
In the 2010 Alabama Football season, McElroy set a single-season school passing record. He also finished his career with 116 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception.
McElroy was also extremely successful in the classroom. He was a Rhodes Scholarship finalist in 2010 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a National Football Foundation scholar/athlete.
He was selected by the New York Jets in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. He retired from the NFL in 2014 and now works as an on-screen analyst for the SEC Network.
Next: #7 Steadman Shealy Jr.